L'Artusi, West Village, NY

Supported with fabulous write-ups in Food & Wine, and Conde Nast, this West Village Italian eatery is superb with a wine cellar to support.

Highlights are:
- Beef carpaccio.
- Roasted mushrooms with garlic, fried egg, and cheese.
- Roasted chicken - not even close to being bland, the sauce is so incredible that I had to resist licking the plate.

Viva Oscar

From Gaudi's architectural influence to Picasso's Cubism movement, Oscar de la Renta interprets the modern Spanish movement in his romantic Resort 2012 collection.

This truly "Work of Art" collection includes fine bolero's with detachable horse hair sleeves, stunning prints, and intricate details within plisses. There's a surprise in every step!

The Cosmopolitan, Las Vegas

I started staying here about a year ago, and have been a faithful visitor ever since.

The crowd here is somewhat more sophisticated than the average Vegas hotel. At least we don't see baggy shorts and Hawaiian shirts here when the sun goes down.

The highlights are:

- The Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar and Grill which serves mouthwatering Wagu Beef, Tuna, and the meatballs, yes the meatballs are out of this world.

- 2 great bars. There is a 3 level chandelier bar, and my fav is the small intimate Vesper Bar which has friendly service and serves almost every cocktail imaginable.

- I'm saving the best for last. The rooms (with the execption of the disgusting City Room meant for the 21 year old weekend out with a 1000 friends) are wonderful and the beds, heavenly. Just make sure to book a Studio King or better!

The Little Black Dress

One of the most essential items in a woman's wardrobe is one or a dozen black dresses.

Whether it be from work to a weekend party, cruise to cocktails, there is always a reason to buy another black dress.

Here are 2 uniquely interpreted looks from the SS12 Escada Collection. My fav is the couture cut dress with the raw edges, cap sleeved on one side and off the shoulder sleeve on the other. You don't need color to make a lasting gorgeous impression here!

CANALI Fall 2012 - English Dandy

From Oscar Wilde to the Swinging 60s, Canali's F/W 12 English Dandy collection marries quintessential menswear looks with their impeccable tailoring we have become accustomed to.

Leave Austin Powers at home and arrive for any occasion like the chic Talented Mr. Ripley!

Bring on the Chesterfield, plaid and keep on stylin! Can't wait for the collection to arrive in stores this coming July/August!

Red Valentino

Whilst being given the grand tour today at Neiman Marcus in The Galleria, Houston, we perused by Couture, Designer, and D2 which is where Red Valentino lit up my eyes.

Red Valentino is a more youthful and affordable offering by Valentino which combines style and beauty.

Both the Resort, and SS12 collections were fresh, with a distinct direction focusing on femininity and romance.

This is for the modern lady who wants to look distinguished, chic, couture and edgy without having to take out a mortgage!

Love, love, and adore this collection. Be on the lookout for the pink & navy combinations.

The Cypress Lounge and Wine Bar @ The Westin Bellevue

What I thought was going to be another average experience with demi-mediocre wine at the hotel lounge turned out very unexpectedly to be a delightful evening.

The enchanting & wonderful Marketing Lead, Maia asked me about what type of wine I would like to enjoy, and consequently brought me 3 samples, all from local WA wineries.

I decided on the fabulous Matthews Estate 2006 Claret. The same vineyard also produces the more exclusive Tenor brand!

2 samples later, We moved on to the Buty Beast Wildebeest 2008 which had more body, and hints of violet (thanks Maia)!

2 things I learned tonight:

- The grapes cultivated here are on same equator parallel as Bordeaux.

- Great vineyards in Washington State produce wines because they like to enjoy them, not just to sell them!